Gender differences in metabolic risk factor prevalence in a South African student population
Date
2009-06
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Clinics Cardiv Publishing
Abstract
We determined selected risk factors for the metabolic
syndrome and assessed the metabolic risk status (using IDF
criteria) of third-year physiology students at Stellenbosch
University (88 males and 178 females). Outcome measures
included anthropometry [body mass index (BMI), waist
circumference, waist-to-hip ratio], blood pressure (BP), resting
pulse rate, and fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol and
triglyceride levels. In addition, students completed a lifestyle
questionnaire.
A number of gender-based differences were found, with
male students displaying a greater incidence of risk factors
for the metabolic syndrome: 6% of males versus 3% of
females displayed a cluster of three risk factors. Twenty-five
per cent of female students (but only 14% of males) exhibited
waist circumferences above the accepted range, which
was positively correlated, for males and females, with both
systolic and diastolic BP, and in females only, also with total
cholesterol levels. Male students on average exercised more
than their female counterparts, but also exhibited poorer
eating habits. Average blood triglyceride levels for both male
and female students exceeded the accepted threshold (1.85 ±
1.62 mmol/l and 2.15 ± 1.79 mmol/l, respectively).
We concluded that metabolic risk factors were evident in
a much younger population than commonly expected. Moreover,
the gender-specific differences observed may impact on
future risk assessment and preventative measures adopted.
Description
CITATION: Smith, C. & Essop, M. F. 2009. Gender differences in metabolic risk factor prevalence in a South African student population. Cardiovascular Journal of Africa, 20(3), 178-182.
The original publication is available at http://www.cvja.co.za/
Includes bibliography
The original publication is available at http://www.cvja.co.za/
Includes bibliography
Keywords
Metabolic syndrome, Cardiovascular system -- Diseases, Exercise, Undergraduate students -- Metabolic risk factors, Cardiovascular system -- Diseases -- Risk factors
Citation
Smith, C. & Essop, M. F. 2009. Gender differences in metabolic risk factor prevalence in a South African student population. Cardiovascular Journal of Africa, 20(3), 178-182.